Austin news

• Teen arrested after deadly shooting in Bastrop County

  16-09-2024 20:32 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — A 13-year-old boy was arrested after a deadly shooting Friday in western Bastrop County, Bastrop County Sheriff Maurice Cook confirmed to KXAN.The sheriff said the victim, identified as Steven A. Smith, 41, was shot and died from a gunshot wound.The teen was "released to juvenile authorities," the sheriff said. Cook added that the investigation is ongoing."Since there is a juvenile involved we are limited on the information we can provide," Cook said.This is a developing st
  
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• 23andMe board quits over plans to take DNA testing company private

  19-09-2024 04:07 via kxan.com
  
  (The Hill) — All seven independent directors of 23andMe’s board resigned on Tuesday, citing disagreements over the chief executive’s plan to take the company private.  The departures leave just one sitting member of the board, its chair, Anne Wojcicki, who co-founded the genetics-testing company in 2006 and serves as its chief executive officer.Wojcicki submitted a proposal in late July to take the company private, after earlier expressing interest in acquiring the company
  
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• Big Lots: 47 more stores across 19 states to close; total closures surpass 300

  19-09-2024 03:55 via kxan.com
  
  (NEXSTAR) — Nearly 50 additional Big Lots stores are set to close as the company navigates through its Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection filings.The Ohio-based company announced earlier this month that it planned to sell assets and business operations to a private equity firm amid the bankruptcy filing.
  As part of the process, Big Lots said it plans to close roughly 250 stores by mid-January. That’s on top of the nearly 300 stores that are already on track to close in the coming month
  
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• Trump gifted handcuffs used to arrest 'would-be assassin' by sheriff's office

  19-09-2024 03:24 via kxan.com
  
  MAR-A-LAGO, Fla. (WFLA) — Former president Donald Trump met with the Martin County deputies who arrested the suspect in an apparent assassination attempt over the weekend in Florida.The Martin County Sheriff's Office said Trump contacted their agency to meet the deputies involved in arresting "would-be assassin" Ryan Wesley Routh. Trump Florida assassination attempt suspect: What we knowRouth was arrested Sunday after Secret Service agents noticed a rifle poking out of the bushes at a golf
  
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• Spirit Halloween criticized over bullet belt placed in prep school costume section

  19-09-2024 03:19 via kxan.com
  
  VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) — A pop-up Halloween store chain has been accused of being tone-deaf in light of recent school shootings across the U.S. after showcasing a bullet belt in a section apparently marketed to teens.Among Spirit Halloween's selection of costumes, often organized by themes or styles, some customers found what they described as a "prep school" display that included a "bullet belt."Nexstar's WAVY visited two Spirit Halloween locations in Virginia Beach and found that dis
  
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• Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs to remain in jail after second judge denies bail

  19-09-2024 00:45 via kxan.com
  
  NEW YORK (AP) — Sean “Diddy” Combs is staying locked up after a judge Wednesday rejected the hip-hop mogul’s proposal that he await his sex trafficking trial in the luxury of his Florida mansion instead of a grim Brooklyn federal jail.U.S. District Judge Andrew L. Carter ruled that Combs' plan — which included a $50 million bail offer, GPS monitoring and strict limitations on visitors — was “insufficient” to ensure the safety of
  
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• Hays CISD: A total of 5 students arrested in connection with threats made against district

  18-09-2024 23:57 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Two more Hays County students were arrested Wednesday for making threats to a high school in the Hays Consolidated Independent School District, a district spokesperson said.This now makes a total of five students arrested in Hays CISD in connection with threats made to the district, the spokesperson said. Hays CISD: 3 students arrested, charged in connection with social media threatsThe first student arrested Wednesday was a Johnson High School 10th grader who made the threat on
  
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• High-tech advanced manufacturing center setting up in east Austin

  18-09-2024 23:46 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) --- A new high-tech manufacturing center broke ground in east Austin. The Hayes Innovation Center for Advanced Manufacturing (HICAM) will be a 50,000-square-foot facility dedicated to fostering modern innovation and increasing workforce development in manufacturing.HICAM is the economic and workforce development nonprofit behind the project.
  Goals for the center include:Creating a hub for groundbreaking manufacturing
  Fostering economic growthBuilding a skilled workforceThe fac
  
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• Bomb threat called in to Lake Travis ISD middle school

  18-09-2024 23:39 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Hudson Bend Middle School was placed on a hold Wednesday after someone called in a bomb threat, according to Lake Travis ISD.A district spokesperson told KXAN they believe the threat was a hoax, but the case is still under investigation.The call came in around 11 a.m. and students and staff were on hold for about an hour before the all-clear was given.The district told KXAN first responders and emergency crews arrived on the scene to check the school.There have been no
  
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• Austin Police investigating after body found near Lady Bird Lake

  18-09-2024 23:04 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Austin Police Department is investigating after finding a deceased person in east Austin near Lady Bird Lake on Wednesday afternoon.Officers responded to the 2700 block of Canterbury Street, with homicide detectives heading to the location. In a social media post, APD shared it will be hosting a media briefing to release more information after detectives arrive on scene.No additional information has been shared at this time.This is a developing story. Please check back
  
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• Submissions open for the Zilker Holiday Tree Youth Art Contest

  18-09-2024 21:30 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The holidays are officially less than 100 days away, but Austin is already getting merry for the lighting of the Zilker Tree. It's time for young artists between the ages of five and 10 to get creative. They'll once again have the chance to participate in an art contest, vying for the chance to light the 155-foot tree on Dec. 1. Youth artists can enter with their illustrations of Austin’s big tree in the junior (ages 5-7) or senior (ages 8-10) categories. Th
  
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• American Airlines discontinuing 4 flights from Austin

  18-09-2024 21:26 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — American Airlines is discontinuing four service routes from the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport in the next few months, an airline spokesperson confirmed Wednesday.In November, American Airlines flights between AUS and Nashville, Raleigh/Durham and Boston will discontinue. Come January, the airline will end its flight operations between AUS and Orange County.In a statement, the spokesperson said the airline is connecting with customers impacted by the discontinuation
  
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• The Federal Reserve is finally lowering rates. Here's what consumers should know

  18-09-2024 21:05 via kxan.com
  
  NEW YORK (AP) — The Federal Reserve has cut its benchmark interest rate from its 23-year high, with consequences for debt, savings, auto loans, mortgages and other forms of borrowing by consumers and businesses.On Wednesday, the Fed announced that it reduced its key rate by an unusually large half-percentage point, to between 4.75 and 5 percent, the first rate cut in more than four years.
  The central bank is acting because, after imposing 11 rate hikes dating back to March 2022, it feels c
  
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• Affordable housing apartment complex for people living with HIV opens in north Austin

  18-09-2024 21:05 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- A new affordable and supportive housing complex has opened in north Austin.
  The Burnet Place Apartments, a 61-unit residence, will serve people living with HIV/AIDS, according to a release from the City of Austin's Housing Department.
  The complex is located at 8007 Burnet Road. The release said the complex was strategically located near high-frequency transit and is less than a mile away from one of the Imagine Austin activity centers. Imagine Austin is a 30-year plan that would
  
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• Austin apartment landlords gather to discuss 'state of the industry'

  18-09-2024 20:33 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Leaders in the local rental market met at Austin Apartment Association's 2024 "State of the Industry" meeting on Sept. 12; in a recap of the event, the association said that the "Central Texas rental housing market is at a critical turning point."
  The current story of Austin's rental industry is one of booming construction slowly pushing down rents, as competition in the region continues to increase. Theron Patrick, an analyst with data broker ALN Apartment Data, presented data
  
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• Texas may look at safety changes for driverless vehicles

  18-09-2024 20:14 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — It's common to see vehicles with no drivers inside making their way autonomously through Austin neighborhoods, and Texas lawmakers may look at ways to make their operations safer in the state, particularly when it comes to first responders.
  Ahead of next year's regular legislative session, the Texas Senate Transportation Committee held a hearing Wednesday where the members discussed potential fixes for the growing driverless vehicle industry in the state. One of the witness
  
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• Nearly two-thirds of Texans delayed health care due to costs last year, poll finds

  18-09-2024 20:12 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Nearly two-thirds of Texas adults, or 64%, reported delaying health care access due to costs, according to a new poll released Wednesday by the health policy research group Episcopal Health Foundation.The organization surveyed nearly 2,000 Texas adults between October and December 2023 as part of its annual poll designed to get a pulse check on health policy, affordability and accessibility in Texas. The poll's findings revealed younger Texas adults, Hispanic adults and tho
  
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• Wave of violent threats hit Texas schools

  18-09-2024 20:02 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (Nexstar) -- Just weeks into the school year, school districts across Texas are responding to numerous threats of violence from students and outsiders alike.Nexstar stations across Texas have reported threats to at least 20 schools just this month.Central TexasOn Tuesday, four Bastrop Middle School students were arrested after a threat toward the school was posted on social media. Bastrop ISD police determined the threat was "non-credible," according to a letter Bastrop Middle School Prin
  
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• UT Austin president to give State of the University address

  18-09-2024 19:45 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The University of Texas at Austin President Jay Hartzell will deliver the annual State of the University address Wednesday afternoon.
  He'll focus on how the university continues "to advance excellence and innovation and create the most comprehensive and impactful academic experience" for students.
  This comes after an eventful year for the school. In late April, pro-Palestinian protests broke out across campus that ended in dozens of arrests.
  Just this week, it was announced
  
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• UT Austin president gives State of the University address

  18-09-2024 19:45 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The University of Texas at Austin President Jay Hartzell delivered the annual State of the University address Wednesday afternoon.He focused on how the university continues "to advance excellence and innovation and create the most comprehensive and impactful academic experience" for students.The address came after an eventful 2023-24 academic year for the university. In late April, pro-Palestinian protests broke out across campus that ended in dozens of arrests.State of the
  
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• LIVE: UT Austin president to give State of the University address

  18-09-2024 19:45 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The University of Texas at Austin President Jay Hartzell will deliver the annual State of the University address Wednesday afternoon.
  He'll focus on how the university continues "to advance excellence and innovation and create the most comprehensive and impactful academic experience" for students.
  This comes after an eventful year for the school. In late April, pro-Palestinian protests broke out across campus that ended in dozens of arrests.
  Just this week, it was announced
  
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• APD’s 152nd cadet class continues Chief’s Run tradition 

  18-09-2024 19:30 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Dozens of graduating cadets took part in the ceremonial Chief’s Run Wednesday morning, marking the start of service for the Austin Police Department’s 152nd Cadet Class. The 54 cadets trekked from Congress Avenue Bridge to the Texas Peace Officers’ Memorial at the State Capitol.Wednesday’s run was not only a first for the cadets, but the chief herself. Austin’s new top cop, Lisa Davis — who took the helm only a week ago — said
  
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• Adrian Wojnarowski leaving ESPN, heading to alma mater

  18-09-2024 19:26 via kxan.com
  
  (The Hill) — Adrian Wojnarowski, one of ESPN's most recognizable journalists and personalities, is leaving the network, he said on Wednesday.Wojnarowski, who has covered the NBA for the Disney-owned network for years, announced his departure on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, which he used to make a name for himself breaking news on trades and free agency deals around the league."Woj bombs," as they became known on the internet, were a staple of ESPN's NBA coverage, with Wojnaro
  
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• Pflugerville ISD teacher arrested, accused of fracturing fingers of 5-year-old student

  18-09-2024 18:49 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — A Pflugerville Independent School District teacher is facing an injury to a child charge after reportedly fracturing two fingers of a 5-year-old student with autism, according to an arrest affidavit.That court document identifies the teacher as McKinzie Merrell, 31. Booking records showed Merrell was booked into the Travis County jail and also released Wednesday morning. No attorney information is listed for Merrell at this time, but KXAN will reach out for comment once tho
  
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• 'Passport' helps Austin celebrate 'Legacy Business Month'

  18-09-2024 18:47 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Local nonprofit Preservation Austin will celebrate some of the city's oldest small businesses in October during its "Legacy Business Month." Part of the celebration includes a "passport," in which Austinites can collect stamps from the city's participating legacy businesses.The month will begin with an Oct. 3 kick-off event at Zilker Taproom, located at 1701 East Sixth St. Passports will be available during October at Zilker Taproom and Whole Earth Provisions, located at 10
  
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• Which Austin streets are named after local Hispanic leaders?

  18-09-2024 18:12 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — It's Hispanic Heritage Month, and the City of Austin is highlighting some Latino leaders whose community contributions have been memorialized in the form of street names across town.The Austin Transportation and Public Works Department's mobility newsletter released Monday listed four streets named after prominent Hispanic leaders: Calle Limon, Nash Hernandez Sr. Road, Cepeda Street and Sandra Muraida Way. More details looking into the backstory of those leaders are highlig
  
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• Texas State University enrolls over 40,000 students for 1st time in its 125-year history

  18-09-2024 17:42 via kxan.com
  
  SAN MARCOS, Texas (KXAN) – If you were to do a head count on Texas State University’s campus in 2024, you’d tally up a few more people than last year. That’s because, for the first time in its 125-year history, the university enrolled more than 40,000 students for its fall 2024 semester. “That's a threshold we've been targeting for a long time,” Texas State University President Kelly Damphousse told KXAN. “What we've been doing is trying to wor
  
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• Austin resident $1M richer after Texas Lottery win

  18-09-2024 17:36 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Following the purchase of a lottery ticket, an Austin resident has claimed a top prize worth $1 million.The winner elected to remain anonymous after claiming the scratch ticket prize for the game Ca$h Blowout, according to the Texas Lottery. The game offers more than $200 million in total prizes, with the overall odds of winning any prize being one in 3.92.The ticket was bought at Paleface Market, which is located at 3611 Pace Bend Road S., in Spicewood.“This was the
  
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• Police looking for suspects in break-in turned shooting in southeast Austin

  18-09-2024 17:27 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The Austin Police Department is searching for suspects who were allegedly involved in a break-in that resulted in a shooting at a southeast Austin apartment last week.APD responded to a shots fired call in the 5300 block of Jimmy Clay Drive shortly before 10:30 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 9.
  Police officers and Austin-Travis County EMS medics found a victim with a gunshot wound when they arrived on the scene. The victim was taken to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries,
  
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• Austin Police warn of 'targeted burglaries' aimed at Indian and South Asian communities

  18-09-2024 16:51 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The Austin Police Department shared safety and prevention tips for what it said is a "common worldwide pattern of burglaries targeting members of the Indian and South Asian cultures."
  APD said in a release the burglaries often happen during significant cultural events like Diwali, which falls on Oct. 31 and Nov. 1 this year.
  These types of crimes often involve the theft of valuable gold jewelry that holds high sentimental value and cultural significance for the families they bel
  
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